Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review 2025: The Coffee Sweet Beast

Introduction to the Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review

This Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review is based on first-hand experience, both on skin and tested across multiple days. At Liquo, my work revolves around niche perfumes: refined, complex, and often exclusive creations. That daily exposure to high-end fragrances gives me a clear reference point for evaluating more affordable options like Qahwa.

Khamrah Qahwa is part of a line that went viral for its bold gourmand style. The Original Khamrah became famous for its sweet mix of dates, praline, cinnamon, and vanilla. Qahwa takes that DNA and gives it a darker twist: coffee and cardamom.

In Middle Eastern culture, coffee (qahwa in Arabic) is more than a drink. It is a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and connection. Cardamom is often added to coffee in Arabian households, creating a warm, spiced beverage that represents community and comfort. This cultural inspiration is what Lattaffa tried to capture in the Qahwa flanker… and it works.

The result is a perfume that feels like sitting in a café on a winter night, drinking cardamom coffee while cinnamon and praline pastries are served on the side.

In this review, I’ll break down the scent, performance, strengths, weaknesses, and comparisons. Most importantly, I’ll help you decide if it is worth buying in 2025.

Quick Summary: Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review

• What it is: A spiced coffee gourmand that blends cardamom, cinnamon, praline and creamy vanilla over a warm amber base.
• How it smells: Like a sweet cardamom latte with roasted coffee, praline and soft woods. The opening is spicy coffee, the heart turns nutty and dessert-like, and the drydown is smooth vanilla amber.
• Performance: Longevity 8 to 9 hours on skin. Strong projection for the first 2 to 3 hours. Noticeable sillage that draws compliments.
• Best time to wear: Autumn and winter, evenings, café dates, festive nights, cozy gatherings.
• Who will love it: Coffee lovers, gourmand fans, and value seekers who want big performance at an affordable price.
• Who should skip it: Minimalists, hot climate wearers, or anyone who prefers fresh citrus scents for daily office use.
• Price and value: Typically 35 to 55 USD. Excellent price to performance. Avoid unusually cheap offers.
• Layering ideas: Pair with vanilla for a creamy latte vibe, tobacco for a café and cigars effect, incense for depth, or chocolate gourmands for mocha richness.
• Verdict: If you enjoy spiced coffee fragrances, Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa is a must-try in 2025. Strong, cozy and highly wearable in cold weather.

About Lattaffa Perfumes and the Khamrah Line

Lattaffa Perfumes was founded in Dubai and has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in Middle Eastern perfumery. Their philosophy is simple: create fragrances with bold performance and strong DNA, but make them affordable enough to compete with mainstream designer brands.

Unlike Western designers, which often release safe, mass-appeal scents, Lattaffa takes inspiration from traditional Arabian perfumery. That means heavy use of spices, resins, woods, and gourmand accords. These are perfumes that project, last long, and make a statement.

The Khamrah line is their flagship gourmand collection:

• Original Khamrah: Sweet, boozy gourmand with dates, praline, cinnamon, and vanilla.
• Khamrah Qahwa: The coffee twist, with cardamom and roasted praline.
• Khamrah Dukhan: The smoky twist, with incense and resins.

Read this Lattaffa Khamrah Buying Guide to understand the difference between each one

Qahwa specifically reflects Arabian coffee culture. In Arabic, qahwa means both “coffee” and “a place of gathering.” The use of cardamom coffee as inspiration makes it not just a gourmand fragrance, but also a cultural nod to hospitality and warmth.

Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review: The Scent Breakdown

Let’s dive into the scent itself. Qahwa is built like a layered coffee drink: spicy opening, sweet creamy heart, and warm woody base.

Top Notes: Coffee, Cardamom, Cinnamon

The first spray hits you with coffee, but it’s not a bitter black espresso. Instead, it is closer to Arabian cardamom coffee, slightly herbal and spiced.

• Coffee: Warm, roasted, but sweetened. Similar to the coffee vibe in Montale Intense Café, but less floral and more gourmand.
• Cardamom: A bright, aromatic spice that gives Qahwa a greenish lift. Cardamom is also found in niche creations like By Kilian Intoxicated, and here it softens the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Familiar from the Original Khamrah, this adds warmth and familiarity.

This combination feels instantly cozy and festive.

Heart Notes: Praline, Nutmeg, Toasted Sweetness

As the fragrance settles, the praline note rises. Praline is a nutty, chocolate-like sweetness that blends beautifully with the coffee. The result is like a spiced cappuccino with chocolate powder sprinkled on top.

• Praline: Adds depth and richness.
• Nutmeg: Brings more spice, leaning warm and slightly woody.
• Coffee Pastry Vibe: The praline + nutmeg combo almost smells like a freshly baked pastry served alongside coffee.

This stage is where Qahwa feels the most gourmand, balancing sweetness with spice.

Base Notes: Vanilla, Amber, Tonka, Woods

The drydown is where Qahwa softens. Vanilla and amber dominate, making it smooth and creamy. Tonka adds richness, while woody notes give structure.

• Vanilla: Creamy and inviting, not too sugary. Similar to vanillas I’ve reviewed in my Best Vanilla Perfumes for Women.
• Amber: Warm, resinous, supporting the coffee and praline.
• Tonka and Woods: Round out the composition, giving it lasting power.

The drydown feels like the café has quieted down, the last coffee cups are empty, and what lingers is the sweetness in the air.

Overall Impression

Qahwa is not just a coffee perfume; it is a spiced coffee gourmand. It is bolder than something like YSL Black Opium, which is more floral and mainstream. It is also sweeter and more accessible than niche coffee perfumes like New Haarlem or Intoxicated, which lean darker or more bitter.

If you imagine sitting in a café in December, with a steaming cup of cardamom coffee and cinnamon pastries, you’ll understand Khamrah Qahwa.

Performance: Longevity, Projection, and Sillage

One of the main reasons the Khamrah line became so popular is because of performance. At this price point, most designer perfumes fade within 5–6 hours. But Qahwa delivers longevity and projection closer to niche territory.

Longevity

• On skin: 8 to 9 hours on average.
• On clothing: 10 to 12 hours easily, sometimes lingering until the next day.

What’s important is that Qahwa is not just long-lasting, it has evolving stages:

• The first 2 hours are dominated by the spiced coffee opening.
• Hours 3 to 6 lean praline-vanilla, like a sweet pastry.
• The final hours (7–9) settle into a creamy amber-vanilla base.

This makes it feel dynamic and interesting throughout the day.

Projection

• First 2–3 hours: Strong projection. People within a 2–3 meter radius will smell it.
• After 3 hours: Settles into a more moderate cloud, noticeable but not overpowering.

This is where Qahwa differs slightly from the Original Khamrah. The Original feels sweeter and louder for longer. Qahwa projects strongly at first, but then becomes smoother and slightly more wearable.

Sillage (the trail)

Qahwa leaves a sweet, spiced coffee trail. It lingers in the air and on scarves, coats, or sweaters. This is the kind of fragrance that makes people ask, “What smells so cozy?” when you walk past.

If you overspray, the trail can be too heavy and cloying, especially indoors. For this reason, 2–3 sprays is the ideal amount. To learn about What Is Sillage? Read this guide

Testing Qahwa in Different Contexts

To really evaluate performance, I tested Qahwa in multiple scenarios.

• Cold Winter Night (Outdoors): Perfect. The spices cut through the cold air, and the vanilla-amber base keeps it warm.
• Indoor Café: Strong projection can fill a room quickly. Best to apply lightly.
• Office Setting: Too much for close spaces. Even 1 spray might feel overwhelming in a small office.
• Warm Spring Day: Becomes too sweet, almost sticky. Not recommended above 20°C.

Verdict: Qahwa is a cold-weather, evening fragrance. Wear it like a cashmere scarf: it belongs in your winter wardrobe, not your summer one.

When to Wear Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa

Fragrance is about context. Qahwa is not an everyday signature scent, but when you wear it in the right setting, it feels unforgettable.

Best Seasons

• Autumn: Crisp air, falling leaves, pumpkin-spice vibes: perfect backdrop for Qahwa’s spiced coffee accord.
• Winter: Its true home. The warmth and sweetness shine in the cold.

Best Occasions

• Date Nights: Cozy, inviting, sensual: perfect for dinners, cafés, or winter walks.
• Festive Gatherings: Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, family dinners. Smells like holiday desserts and warm drinks.
• Evenings Out: Lounges, intimate gatherings, or night events. Its sillage ensures people notice.
• At Home: If you enjoy perfume just for yourself, wearing Qahwa while reading or relaxing on a winter night feels indulgent.

Not Recommended For

• Summer Days: Sweetness becomes suffocating in the heat.
• Professional Settings: Too bold for meetings or office work.
• Daytime Casual: Unless it’s very cold outside, it can feel heavy.

Think of Qahwa as a fragrance coat: something you wear when you want warmth, comfort, and presence. Read this guide to learn How To Know Which Season A Fragrance Is Designed For.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Khamrah Qahwa

Strengths

1. Performance at Low Price
   • Longevity and projection comparable to fragrances that cost $200+.
2. Unique Coffee-Cardamom DNA
   • Not many perfumes offer this balance of coffee, spice, and sweetness at this price point.
3. Compliment Factor
   • The warm gourmand profile makes it noticeable and attractive.
4. Cultural Twist
   • Inspired by Arabian coffee traditions, which makes it stand out from Western coffee perfumes.
5. Unisex Flexibility
   • Sweet enough for women, spicy enough for men.

Weaknesses

1. Not Versatile
   • Seasonal and situational. Doesn’t work in hot weather or office settings.
2. Synthetic Touch
   • The coffee note is not as natural or refined as niche options.
3. Overapplication Risk
   • Too many sprays can overwhelm the room.
4. Not Signature-Scent Friendly
   • Great as a winter addition, but not a year-round daily driver.

Who Should Buy Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa?

Not every fragrance is for everyone. Let’s profile the ideal buyers:

1. The Coffee Lover
   • If you love the smell of cafés, spiced lattes, and cardamom coffee, Qahwa is designed for you.
2. The Gourmand Enthusiast
   • Fans of sweet edible perfumes like praline, vanilla, and chocolate will appreciate Qahwa’s richness.
3. The Compliment Seeker
   • Want people to notice and comment on your fragrance? Qahwa’s sweet trail makes it a compliment magnet.
4. The Value Buyer
   • At $40–50, this is one of the best-performing gourmands under $100.
5. The Explorer of Middle Eastern Perfumes
   • If you want to experience Arabian-style coffee and spice without diving into heavy oud, Qahwa is a great starting point.
6. The Collector
   • If you already own Angel’s Share, Naxos, or By the Fireplace, Qahwa adds an affordable coffee twist to your gourmand shelf.

Who Should Avoid Khamrah Qahwa?

1. Minimalists
   • If you prefer clean, fresh, or light perfumes, Qahwa will feel overwhelming.
2. Hot Climate Residents
   • If you live in a region where it’s hot year-round, Qahwa will sit unused.
3. Niche Purists
   • If you only wear highly refined niche creations, you may find Qahwa’s sweetness too obvious.
4. Daily Signature Seekers
   • It’s not versatile enough to be an everyday scent.

Where to Buy Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Safely

Because Qahwa is part of one of the most viral affordable perfume lines in recent years, it is also a target for counterfeits. Fake bottles may look convincing but perform poorly, with chemical harshness or no longevity. Check the website CheckFresh to write down the batch code and check authenticity.

Checklist for Authenticity

1. Packaging
   • Authentic bottles come in sturdy, embossed packaging with clean fonts.
   • Fakes often have blurry text, uneven printing, or lighter packaging.
2. Bottle Quality
   • The real Khamrah Qahwa bottle is heavy, with thick glass and a firm cap.
   • Fakes often feel light and cheap.
3. Cap Fit
   • Authentic caps snap firmly and sit straight. Fake ones feel loose.
4. Scent Test
   • The real Qahwa opens with coffee, cardamom, and cinnamon.
   • Fakes often smell flat, overly sweet, or harshly synthetic.
5. Price Range
   • Normal retail: $35–$55 USD.
   • Below $25 is suspicious unless discounted by a known retailer.
6. Where to Buy
   • Amazon: Only from verified, high-rating sellers.
   • Perfume boutiques: Reputable Middle Eastern fragrance shops.
   • Avoid random third-party websites with no reviews.

👉 Buy Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa safely here and avoid counterfeits.

Layering and Styling Tips for Khamrah Qahwa

One of the fun aspects of a strong gourmand is layering. Qahwa’s DNA allows you to create new moods by combining it with other scents.

Here are 7 tested layering ideas:

1. With a Straight Vanilla Perfume
   • Creates a creamy vanilla latte vibe.
   • Great with perfumes from my Best Vanilla Perfumes for Cold Weather.
2. With Tobacco Perfumes
   • Blends into a café-and-cigars atmosphere.
   • Echoes niche scents like Xerjoff Naxos (see my Naxos Review).
3. With Oud Oils
   • Adds depth and darkness, making it more Middle Eastern in style.
   • Great for evening events.
4. With Incense Perfumes
   • Enhances the cardamom and spice notes, creating a smoky café effect.
5. With Fresh Citrus Scents
   • Brightens the opening, making it slightly more wearable in spring.
6. With Leather Perfumes
   • Adds masculinity and luxury.
   • The result feels like a spiced leather café.
7. With Chocolate Gourmands
   • Boosts the praline into a mocha-chocolate coffee effect.

These combinations make Qahwa versatile within its category, even if it is not a year-round standalone scent.

Alternatives to Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa

If you like the idea of Qahwa but want to explore options, here are some close relatives:

Within the Khamrah Line

• Khamrah Original: Sweeter and fruitier, with dates and praline. Perfect if you prefer a dessert-like profile.
• Khamrah Dukhan: Darker and smokier, with incense and resins. Ideal for lovers of smoky gourmands.

Designer Alternatives

• Dolce & Gabbana The One Intense: Tobacco-heavy but has coffee-like warmth.
• YSL Black Opium: Feminine-leaning coffee vanilla, but lighter and more mainstream.

Niche Alternatives

• Montale Intense Café: More floral coffee-rose style.
• Bond No.9 New Haarlem: Strong coffee with maple syrup sweetness.
• By Kilian Intoxicated: Cardamom coffee with refined balance, but expensive.

Verdict: Qahwa sits between designer and niche in feel. Not as polished as the niche options, but stronger and more characterful than most designer coffees.

Final Verdict: Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review 2025

So, is Qahwa worth it?

Yes, if you love coffee fragrances. It is one of the best affordable options in 2025 for anyone looking for a bold coffee gourmand with Middle Eastern character.

Buy it if you…

• Enjoy coffee, cardamom, and sweet gourmands.
• Want a strong performer under $50.
• Need a winter evening fragrance that gets compliments.

Avoid it if you…

• Prefer fresh, minimal scents.
• Live in hot climates year-round.
• Expect niche realism in the coffee accord.

👉 Shop Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa here.

FAQ: Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa Review

Q1: Is Lattaffa Khamrah Qahwa unisex?
Yes, it works on both men and women.

Q2: How long does it last?
8–9 hours on skin, 10–12 hours on clothing.

Q3: What does Khamrah Qahwa smell like?
Coffee with cardamom spice, praline, cinnamon, vanilla, and amber.

Q4: How is Qahwa different from the Original Khamrah?
Original is sweeter with dates and praline. Qahwa is darker with coffee and cardamom.

Q5: Is it good for summer?
No, best in autumn and winter.

Q6: Does Qahwa get compliments?
Yes, it has a strong, inviting gourmand trail.

Q7: Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes, if you like sweet perfumes. If you only wear fresh aquatics, it may feel heavy.

Q8: How many sprays should I use?
2–3 sprays are enough.

Q9: Price range?
$35–$55 USD for authentic bottles.

Q10: Where can I buy it safely?
From trusted sellers on Amazon or reputable boutiques.

Q11: Is Qahwa niche quality?
No, but it performs better than many designer perfumes at its price.

Q12: Does the coffee note smell realistic?
It is more gourmand coffee than roasted bean realism.

Q13: Is it worth blind buying?
If you love sweet gourmands or coffee, yes.

Q14: Can I layer it?
Yes, it layers beautifully with vanilla, tobacco, incense, or chocolate perfumes.

Q15: Who should avoid Qahwa?
Minimalists, hot climate residents, or niche purists expecting ultra-refinement.

Explore More on Scent Chronicles

• Lattaffa Khamrah Review (Original)
• Best Spicy Fragrances for Men
• Best Vanilla Perfumes for Women
• Best Winter Fragrances for Men
• Naxos Review
• What Is Oud in Perfumery?

I may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend fragrances I’ve tested or genuinely believe in.

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